Hiking Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale

I always try to climb Camelback Mountain at least once when I'm home in Arizona. But on my most recent trip, staying at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale, a few of us climbed nearby Pinnacle Peak in the early morning, which I had never done in 20 years of living/visiting family in Arizona. For a first-time visitor to Scottsdale, I'd say this is the hike to do. You have panoramic views of the valley, of Camelback Mountain and you're surrounded by hundreds of saguaro cacti. Plus, it's a simple hike for the most part. No hanging onto poles to help you get up straight vertical climbs like on Camelback. It was the best way to start an Arizona day.

Camelback Mountain

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Arizona

You can't compare Four Seasons to any other hotel brand - they are above and beyond spectacular in every way. Continuing on the Arizona trip with Visit Phoenix and a most amazing group of ladies, we headed to the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. The Scottsdale property is so integrated into the landscape that you couldn't feel any closer unless you were sleeping with the cacti (no thanks!). The desert vistas are home to me, but add in the mouthwatering steak and seafood at Talavera (which has the BEST SUNSET VIEW in Scottsdale), drinks, mini spa treatments, yoga on the lawn, and stargazing with a pro astronomer? I was most definitely NOT at home and it made for a memorable weekend.

The guest rooms are in casitas that gaze out at the Arizona terrain, which is nearly silent at night. And the interiors reflect what I'd want my dream Arizona home to look like - a cozy fireplace and a palette of desert pinks, purples, and oranges. I love so many of the Scottsdale hotels, but this one reflects the Arizona I love the most in its layout and design. Plus we spotted Giada de Laurentiis getting her hair done in the salon before her book signing in Kierland Commons!

The best time of day

I miss these ladies!

Entrance to my room

Loved all these paths through the resort

Arizona PerfectionSo many great views! Caught a beautiful weddingThe lobby at nightLobby during the dayCan't wait to go back when I'm home

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass And The Best Massage Ever

View from my roomI got the best massage of my life at Aji Spa (meaning "Sanctuary" in the Pima language) at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Arizona. Already, I've had three friends go see this therapist because of my experience and they say the same thing. At the spa, I met Jason, he put his hand on my back, and started asking questions about my trip and what I was doing at Wild Horse Pass. I later learned that's his first indication of how tense someone is, by how their back tightens. I was coming off of two months of air travel all over the world and my back was killing me. He told me he works with a lot of football players so he'd take it down a couple of notches for me on the Gila River Rock Massage. I don't know how he did it, but I never had to say a word - he knew where every painful knot, and chronic tight muscle was and made them disappear.

Aji Spa Pool

Waiting Area in Aji SpaI also met with Belen Stoneman, an extremely gifted Native American woman specializing in therapeutic massage and healing techniques - the type of person that calms you and inspires simply by being in the same room.

Where we met with Belen at Aji Spa

Healthy Spa FoodI had been invited on this trip with Visit Phoenix with a fabulous group of travel and digital superstars that became friends by the end. Staying at a hotel in my hometown was a little bit strange at first. But Wild Horse Pass reminded me what I love most about my home state - the mountain ranges that are wise, the cacti that reflect home to me, the great food and wine from Arizona.

Room Balcony View

Lobby at night"Friend, Welcome to my house. It is good to see you. The creator be with you."We went horseback riding through the Koli Equestrian Center on property and came across a group of wild horses with their babies. We were quiet, privileged to be there, watching, on the edge of what is their land, not ours.

Wild Horses

On My Horse! Our Wonderful GroupAlso, we didn't go on this trip but I love take first-time Arizona visitors to Rawhide, right next to Wild Horse Pass. It's designed to look like an 1880's Western town, with a steakhouse & saloon and gold panning, burro rides, and a petting zoo for kids. Oh, and a mechanical bull. You get in for free, and then just pay for the attractions you want. 

Yum - gorgeous smoothies from breakfast - a welcome treat after so much rich (yes, delicious but I miss making my own stuff!) food on the road.

Breakfast Smoothie Shots

The Brand-New Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale

Walking into the lobby of The Saguaro (A Joie de Vivre hotel) in Scottsdale, Arizona, you are surrounded by bright and brilliant color.  Each shade was chosen by the architects as one of 12 found in desert wildflowers, and to me, celebrates Scottsdale's hints of Palm Springs, Mexico and the Southwest.

LobbyOpen since November 2011, the hotel has previously been the short-lived Hotel Theodore, the Mondrian AND the James in the past few years.  Not a great track record.  But while the previous properties maintained a motel vibe with design and decor slopped together (along with thumping music and a nightlife scene I don't care for), the Saguaro feels transformed.  It is definitely one of the better mid-range options in Scottsdale and even during high season when snow-weary travelers flock to Arizona, you'll get a reasonable rate.

Patio backs up to Civic Center MallYou are within walking distance to so much of Scottsdale's best--Old Town, Fashion Square Mall, and the Civic Center, with the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.  I still think a car is an absolute must if you're a new visitor, but it's much easier without one if you're staying here.

Jose Garces, known for being an Iron Chef and James Beard Award winnder, created two restaurants, Old Town Whiskey and Distrito. My favorite funky design element? A colorful cotton ball wall!

The Cotton Ball WallThe outdoor spaces are really well-done, with a fun main pool area and a quieter circle pool. There's even a small spa, the Saguaro Spa.

Main Pool

Smaller Pool

RoomIf you're in need of a great restaurant near The Saguaro, may I suggest Cowboy Ciao and the I-could-eat-three-of-them chopped salad.  They've been a beloved Old Town anchor for many years and I think the chopped salad is the most revered menu item.

From Whence I Came: The Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale, AZ

In the spirit of this brand new year, I'm starting with a resort from whence I came. My first job out of college was at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale doing PR & communications. I loved every 5 a.m. TV call time,  every journalist visit, and learning the nitty-gritty of the hotel world.  The people that work in Arizona & Scottsdale tourism are some of the best people I've ever met (special shout-out to Laura McMurchie, who got me my job at The Phoenician and is now the VP of communications for the Scottsdale CVB).  The job made me realize I wanted to do what I'm doing now, though I didn't know how I was going to get there or what exactly I was supposed to do. And I took more than a few wrong turns along the way.  I'm still taking them but I'm quicker to get back on the right route now. 

Over Christmas, I went back when I was visiting my family.  It took me straight back to nervous, bumbling 22-year-old me who didn't have a clue about the corporate world.  I remember smiling like an idiot and hoping no TV host that I took around would discover that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  And I just wished I could be like those glamorous journalists who traveled, wrote, and lived adventurously.  

The Phoenician is nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain (my favorite AZ hike) and is the epitome of the word resort.  You are just totally surrounded and blissed out by Arizona luxury.  There's even a separate building called the Canyon Suites for a resort-within-a-resort experience.  Having worked there, I know the behind-the-scenes and so it's not as magical for me.  But seeing the Serenity Pool again, the bright orange Koi fish in the canals, and the views of the Valley from the lobby lounge reminded me why it's one of Arizona's most beloved properties.

The Serenity Pool$100,000 Worth of Koi FishThe spa, the Centre for Well-Being, is still in desperate need of an update but the three golf courses, dining, and shops area are all nearly perfect.  Dining institution Mary Elaine's closed a few years ago and it became J&G Steakhouse by Jean-Georges, a great spot for a big night out.  The Phoenician also does an afternoon tea that is a ritual for girls growing up in Scottsdale especially during the holidays.

I have a soft spot for the Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor, where I would go in high school with friends.  It's best for lunch with a dash of nostalgia.

Cafe & Ice Cream ParlorThe Phoenician's Lobby FountainOutdoor Fire Pits & Mountain ViewsShopping!The Bar at Il Terrazo